mi porta il conto?
/mi ˈpɔr.ta il ˈkon.to/word by word
In Italian, "can I get the check?" is said as mi porta il conto?
This phrase is used as a polite request to a server for the bill at the end of a meal.
What does it mean word for word?
The phrase mi porta il conto? literally translates to "will you bring me the bill?"
How does it change in a sentence?
To make the request feel more polite and indirect, you can use the subjunctive form mi porti il conto? instead of the indicative mi porta il conto?
How do you pronounce it?
The pronunciation is /mi ˈpɔr.ta il ˈkon.to/. It has 5 syllables, and the stress is on the 2nd syllable.
Did you know?
- In many parts of Italy, if you want to be even more indirect than using the subjunctive, you might simply catch the server's eye and make a slight writing motion in the air with your hand.
- The word porta in mi porta il conto? shares a root with the English word 'port', as both derive from a root meaning 'to pass through'.
- In Italy, it is often considered more polite to wait for the server to approach you rather than calling out 'scusi' loudly just to ask for the conto.
Examples in context
- Scusi, mi porta il conto?Excuse me, can you bring me the bill?
- Posso avere il caffè e mi porta il conto?Can I have coffee and can you bring me the bill?
- È stato tutto ottimo, mi porta il conto?Everything was excellent, can you bring me the bill?
Example conversation
Francesco and Sofia are finishing their dinner at a restaurant.
- FrancescoIl caffè era ottimo, grazie.The coffee was great, thank you.
- SofiaSono contenta che vi sia piaciuto.I am glad you liked it.
- FrancescoScusi Sofia, mi porta il conto?Excuse me Sofia, can I get the check?
- SofiaCertamente, arrivo subito.Certainly, I'll be right there.
